Microparticle detection apparatus

Abstract

A microparticle detection apparatus is provided. The microparticle detection apparatus includes a light emitting optical element, a converging optical system disposed in an advancing direction of light emitted from the optical element to converge the light, a particle path located in an advancing direction of the light having passed through the converging optical system so that the particle path intersects the light, a beam blocking unit to block direct light having passed through the particle path, a condensing lens disposed at the rear of the beam blocking unit, and a detector disposed at the rear of the condensing lens to detect light scattered by particles. A focal point of light formed by the optical element and the converging optical system may be located at the rear of the particle path. A focal point of light irradiated to the particles may be different from the introduction position of the particles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0136431, filed on Dec. 28, 2010 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The embodiments discussed herein relate to a microparticle detection apparatus to optically detect microparticles floating in air.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In recent years, interest in a safe atmosphere has increased. Therefore, microparticle detection technology for use by the general public to easily monitor atmospheric state in real time is being developed.[0006]An object to be detected, such as a microparticle, having a size of 0.1 to 1 μm may be detected using a method of detecting scattering of light induced by irradiating light to an aerosol-phase sample.[0007]Scattering caused by the microparticle is within a Mie scattering range. The intensity of scattering ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a microparticle detection apparatus that can detect scattered light from microparticles with high accuracy. The apparatus includes a light emitting optical element, a converging optical system, a particle path, a beam blocking unit, a condensing lens, and a detector. The focal point of the light emitted from the optical element and the converging optical system is located between the particle path and the beam blocking unit, which prevents stray light from being detected. The apparatus can detect the scattered light generated from particles introduced into the optical chamber and can be used in various fields such as biological research and environmental monitoring.

Problems solved by technology

However, light directly emitted from a light source without being scattered by a microparticle (hereinafter, referred to as direct light) may also be detected, and therefore, the detection of scattering light may be inaccurate.

That is, a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of scattering light detection may be low, thereby reducing detection reliability of a microparticle.

While the direct light may be reduced; however, the intensity of detected scattering light may also be reduced with the result that an SNR of scattering light detection may not be substantially improved.

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